Posts
The Indian cricket team is planning a big bash on Saturday when Yuvraj Singh turns 28 and the celebrations will be irrespective of the outcome of their second and final Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium here. "It's going to be special for him (Yuvraj). We will celebrate his birthday whatever the results may be," skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni told reporters here.
When asked what the team was expecting from Yuvraj in Saturday's match which coincides with his birthday, Dhoni said, "We hope he will give his 100 per cent like he always does.
Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola confirmed that India had indeed asked for 2 Tests to be played, along with 3 ODIs instead of the originally agreed 5 ODI plan.
"They [India] have requested we play two Tests and three ODIs and we are still considering it," Majola said. "We still have to consult with the South African Cricketers' Association, the team management, our playing regulations and fixtures committees, as well as the board. It would extend the tour by another week, but we would like to accommodate them and I don't foresee a problem with it."
The belated move to play a few Tests against South Africa in the short window available between India's visit to Bangladesh in early January and the start of the Indian Premier League on March 12 next year would enable the team to maintain its number one Test status acquired for the first time by its 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar, among others, have expressed their wish that India should play more Tests than what has been scheduled for now.
As per the current ICC Future Tours Programme for Dhoni and his men, India will not be playing any Test cricket for nine months after its two-Test series in Bangladesh in January.
The next Test series India are to take part in is the three-match home rubber against New Zealand in November. In the 13 months -- from the tour to Bangladesh in January 2010 till the start of the World Cup in February 2011 -- India are to play only eight Tests - two in Bangladesh, three at home against New Zealand and three more in South Africa (Dec. 2010-Jan. 2011).
Rahul Dravid poses with the BCCI Special Award in Mumbai on Sunday. APMohinder Amarnath emulated his father Lala by receiving the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award, while the Polly Umrigar award for the Indian Cricketer of the Year went to the supremely consistent Gautam Gambhir.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Amarnath recalled his formative years with fondness, had the inevitable acerbic word or two for officialdom, and credited his late father for being the driving force behind his career. “Don’t lost heart, was my father’s message to me,” he said after receiving the trophy and a cash award of Rs 15 lakh from Shashank Manohar, the president of the BCCI. “My motto when I played cricket was simple – if you shy away from fast bowling, it’s time to hang up your boots.” With the Indian and Sri Lankan teams in attendance, Gambhir said, “It’s a great honour to be the third recipient of this award. Last year, Viru said he was happy to be the next to win this award after his idol, Sachin Tendulkar. I am delighted I have received this award one year after my favourite player. Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid received special awards, the former for completing two decades in international cricket and the latter for breaking Mark Waugh’s world record for the most Test catches.